“The Australian ‘tall-poppy syndrome’, where individuals who achieve prominence are often cut down, ensures that no leader is spared criticism. Politicians, being highly visible figures, become easy targets for caricature,” writes Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS.

Australians generally have a low opinion of politicians until after they’ve been dead for a while. Why is that so?

Australia’s colonial history laid the foundation for its scepticism of authority. Many early settlers were convicts transported from Britain, and their fraught relationship with the ruling elite fostered a national ethos of irreverence toward power. 

This anti-establishment spirit persists, promoting a culture where contemporary leaders are often viewed with suspicion or outright disdain.

Australia’s vibrant and often critical media landscape intensifies public scrutiny of politicians. Satirical commentary on programs such as The Chaser or in editorial cartoons magnifies leaders’ flaws, fostering public scepticism.

Moreover, the Australian “tall-poppy syndrome”, where individuals who achieve prominence are often cut down, ensures that no leader is spared criticism. Politicians, being highly visible figures, become easy targets for caricature.

When politicians leave office or pass away, attitudes often shift. The passage of time provides distance from partisan conflicts, allowing for a more balanced assessment of their contributions. Historical achievements, once overshadowed by controversy or scandal, can be appreciated. The process of posthumous recognition is evident in several notable Australian leaders:

Gough Whitlam (1916–2014)

As prime minister from 1972 to 1975, Gough Whitlam’s term was marked by dramatic reforms and intense political conflict. His government introduced universal healthcare (Medicare), abolished university fees and championed indigenous land rights. 

However, Whitlam’s tenure was also plagued by economic challenges and political mismanagement, culminating in his controversial dismissal by Governor-General Sir John Kerr in 1975.

During his lifetime, Whitlam was a polarising figure, hailed as a visionary by some and derided as reckless by others. In the years following his death, Whitlam’s legacy has been reassessed with a focus on his transformative impact on Australian society.

Bob Hawke (1929–2019)

Bob Hawke, Australia’s prime minister from 1983 to 1991, enjoyed popularity during his tenure, but faced criticism for his economic reforms, including deregulation and privatisation.

These policies, while credited with modernising Australia’s economy, were divisive at the time. 

Hawke’s personal struggles, including a well-documented battle with alcoholism, poor treatment of his wife and extramarital affairs diminished his stature. 

Hawke is now remembered as one of Australia’s most effective leaders – but isn’t appreciated in Canberra for his role in delivering costly self-government.

John Curtin (1885–1945)

John Curtin, prime minister during World War II, faced immense challenges, including managing Australia’s war effort and forging alliances with the US. 

His decision to shift Australia’s reliance from Britain to the US was controversial at the time, as was his leadership style, which some considered overly cautious.

Curtin’s wartime leadership is now widely regarded as pivotal to Australia’s survival and independence. His emphasis on social welfare and national unity set a template for future governments, earning him a revered place in Australian history.

Some memorable quotes about politicians:

• A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country. –Tex Guinan (actress and entrepreneur)
• If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates. –Jay Leno
• The problem with political jokes is they get elected. –Henry Cate, VII 
• We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. –Aesop 
• Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. –Nikita Khrushchev
• When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become president; I’m beginning to believe it. –Clarence Darrow  
• Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel. –John Quinton
• Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you. –unknown
• Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realise that it bears a very close resemblance to the first. –Ronald Reagan
• Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other. –Oscar Ameringer  
• I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them. –Adlai Stevenson
• Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks. –Doug Larson  
• We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate. –Kin Hubbard

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.